Reservoir closure system and method

ABSTRACT

A system for sealably closing a reservoir is disclosed. The system can have a container and a slider. The container can have an orifice and catches and lips surrounding the orifice. The slider can be translatably attached to the container over the orifice. The slider can slidably engage the catch and lips to force the orifice closed. While attached to the catch and lips, the slider can create a pressurized seal of the orifice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of closeable and sealable fluidreservoirs. More specifically, this invention relates to reservoirs thatcan be closed and tightly and securely sealed, yet unsealed and openedrapidly.

2. Description of the Related Art

Light weight, resealable bags are used increasingly in sportingactivities, such as hiking, biking, and snow sport activities likeskiing and snowboarding. Limited access to the interior of typical bagsmakes cleaning more difficult and increases the potential for uncleanand unsanitary bags. Once liquids placed in the bags are consumed, theremaining deposits encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. If leftuncleaned, such growths can leave stains on the bag, may retain odors,taint any other fluids subsequently introduced into the bag, and createhealth risks. Regular and thorough cleaning of the inside of thereservoir is critical.

Commonly used bags for sporting are typically accessible through arelatively small side port in the bag, often covered by a removable cap.The side port limits the access to the interior of the bag, therebylimiting the ability to clean the interior of the bag.

Also, removing or adding large quantities of liquid to the typical bagsis often cumbersome and messy due to the limited and constrained accessto reservoir via the side port. The side ports can also limit the flowrate into and/or out of the bag, slowing the process of removing excessfluid from the bag or loading fluid into the bag.

Zipper-type closures have been developed for bags in some uses. Zipperclosures allow for larger and wider openings than typical side ports,thereby allowing easy cleaning of the interior of the bags. Zipperopenings also ease the process of removing and adding fluid to the bag,in speed, convenience and cleanliness. However, common zipper closuresare not suitable for most sporting activities. The bags often receiveforceful blows during regular use, causing large increases in fluidpressure inside the bag. Elements used to close the opening often needto be reinforced to ensure closure during use. For example, the caps onside ports are often threaded. However, zippers are often only a smallportion of the length of the entire opening, leaving much of the openingexposed to rupturing upon increased reservoir fluid pressure.

Roll-top closures satisfy the above demands: reinforced openings capableof withstanding high-pressure; ease of internal reservoir cleaning; andrapid, convenient, and clean liquid addition and removal. However, someusers feel that roll-top closures are cumbersome and slow to open andclose.

Therefore, a closeable reservoir system is desired that is capable ofease of internal reservoir cleaning. A closeable reservoir system isalso desired that can provide rapid, convenient and clean liquidaddition and removal. It is also desired to have a closeable reservoirsystem that can withstand significantly increased fluid pressureswithout leaking. A closeable reservoir system is also desired that iseasy and fast to open and close.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A reservoir closure system is disclosed. The system has a container,such as a bag, and a sealing member.

The container can have a reservoir and an orifice. The orifice can haveclosed and open configurations. The reservoir can be in fluidcommunication with the orifice. The orifice can have an orifice closedlength when the orifice is in the closed configuration.

The sealing member can be configured to slidably attach to thecontainer. The sealing member can have has a seal length. The seallength can be at least substantially equal to the orifice closed length.The sealing mechanism can be configured to seal the container. Thesealing member can have a substantially straight configuration.

The container can have a first catch having a first catch bottom. Thefirst catch bottom can have a first catch angle. The first catch anglecan be less than about 90degrees.

The sealing member can have one or more sealing member arms. The sealingmember arms can be configured to attachably engage the catches of thecontainer. The sealing member arms can have angled faces that correspondto angled faces on the catches. Any or all of the angles of the angledfaces of the arms can be substantially equal to the angles of the angledfaces of the corresponding angled faces of the catches.

The container can have a first end and a first side, and wherein theorifice is at the first end. The container can have an opening on thefirst side of the container. The reservoir system can have a capremovably attached to the opening. The cap can have a socket configuredto attach to a tube.

The sealing member can be tethered to the container. The sealing membercan be configured to be interference fit to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the reservoir system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the top of the bag.

FIGS. 3 a through 3 g are side views of various embodiments of the topof the bag.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the slider.

FIGS. 6 a through 6 g are side views of various embodiments of the firstend of the slider.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate a sequence of an embodiment of a method ofusing the slider on the bag.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 10 c are side views of various embodiments of thetop of the reservoir system.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate various embodiments of methods of using theslider on the bag.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the reservoir system with theslider attached to the bag.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a method of using thebag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates that a reservoir system 2 can have a reservoircontainer, such as a bag 4, and a sealing member, such as an elongatedslider 12. The bag 4 can have a reservoir 6, such as one or morehollows. Multiple reservoirs (not shown) in the bag 4 can be dividedinto one or more separate compartments by one or more septa, bladdersand/or other dividers.

The bag 4 can have a bag reinforcement 8, such as a bag seal. The bagreinforcement 8 can strengthen one or more higher-probability mechanicalfailure areas on the bag 4. The bag seal 8 can have thicker dimensionsthan the surrounding material. The bag seal 8 can have layers of thematerial of the bag 4 or a different material attached to and/orintegral with the bag 4. The bag seal 8 can be along all or part (asshown) of the circumference of the bag 4, for example, excluding theportion of the bag adjacent to the orifice 10.

The slider 12 and the bag can be configured to facilitate slidablytranslating the slider 12 on the bag. The bag can have a guide. Theguide can direct the slider 12 during use.

The slider 12 can have a slider seal configured to seal the orifice 10.The slider seal can be, for example, the location on the slider 12 wherethe dimensions of slider arms provide sufficient force on the bag 4 toseal the bag 4 with the slider 12 on the bag 4. The slider seal can havea slider seal length 16. The slider seal length 16 can be from about 5cm (2 in.) to about 91 cm (36 in.), more narrowly from about 5 cm (2in.) to about 46 cm (18 in.), yet more narrowly from about 17 cm (6.5in.) to about 18 cm (7.0 in.), for example, about 17 cm (6.5 in.).

FIG. 2 illustrates that the bag 4 can have a first lip 17 (partiallyhidden) and second lip 18, for example, adjacent to the orifice 10. Thefirst lip 17 can be opposite the second lip 18. The lips 17, 18 can bereinforced. The lips 17, 18 can be thicker and/or otherwise morereinforced and/or stronger than the surrounding bag material. The firstlip 17 can have one or more first engagement members, such as firstcatches 20. The second lip 18 can have one or more second engagementmembers, such as second catches 22.

The bag 4 can be made from a single sheet or from separate sheets, forexample, integrated and/or attached at bag seams 24. The lips 17, 18 canhave lip seams 26. The lip seams 26 can be part of the bag seams 24. Theseams can be leak-proof and water-tight.

The orifice can have an orifice length 28, for example in a closedconfiguration. The orifice length 28 can be equal to or less than theslider seal length 16. The orifice length 28 can be from about 3.8 cm(1.5 in.) to about 90.1 cm (35.8 in.), more narrowly from about 3.8 cm(1.5 in.) to about 45.2 cm (17.8 in.), yet more narrowly from about 15cm (6.0 in.) to about 17 cm (6.8 in.), for example, about 15 cm (6.0in.).

The bag 4 can have an opening on either or both sides of the bag 4. Aremovable cap can cover the opening. The cap can be attached by aninterference or screw interface, for example. The cap can be asdisclosed by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/445,771. filed Jun. 2,2006, which is now abandoned, and herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

The bag 4 can have a fitment for sealably attaching to or otherwiseinterfacing with, for example, one or more valves, a nozzle interface, atube interface, a nozzle, a tube (e.g., a straw), a plug, orcombinations thereof. The fitment can be a socket. The fitment can beover the opening on either or both sides of the bag 4. The fitment canbe the cap. The fitment can be or have a port or socket.

FIG. 3 a illustrates that the bag 4 can have a bag first side 30 and abag second side 32. The bag first side 30 can be made from at least thesame or a different sheet of material from the bag second side 32.

The first and second 20, 22 catches can have first and second catchbottoms, 34, 36 respectively. The first and second 20, 22 catches canhave first and second 38, 40 catch sides, respectively. The first andsecond 38, 40 catch sides can be substantially parallel with the lipseams 26, and/or the lips 17, 18, and/or the bag seam 24, and/or the bagfirst side 30 and/or second side 32. The angle formed by the catchbottom and the catch side can be a catch angle 42. The catch angle 42can be less than about 90°. The catch angle 42 can be from about 0° toabout 90°, more narrowly from about 30° to about 80°, yet more narrowlyfrom about 45° to about 75°,for example, about 70°.

The catches can have a catch height 44. The catch height 44 for thefirst catch 20 can be the same as or different from the catch height 44of the second catch 22. The catch height 44 can be from about 2 mm (0.08in.) to about 100 mm (3.9 in.), more narrowly from about 2 mm (0.08 in.)to about 30 mm (1.2 in.) for example, about 5 mm (0.2 in.).

The distance from the first catch side 38 to the second catch side 40can be a combined catch width 46. The combined catch width 46 can befrom about 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) to about 100 mm (3.94 in.), for example,about 7 mm (0.3 in.).

The first and second lips 17, 18 can have a combined lip width 48. Thecombined lip width 48 can be from about 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) to about 100mm (3.9 in.), for example, about 3 mm (0.1 in.).

FIGS. 3 b and 3 c illustrate that the lips 17, 18 can have a first uppercatch 50 (similar to the first catch described supra) and a second uppercatch 52 (similar to the second catch described supra). The lips 17, 18can have a first lower catch 54 and a second lower catch 56. The first54 (and second 56) lower catch can have a first 58 (and second 60,respectively) lower catch top angle between the first 60 (and second 62,respectively) lower catch top and the first 64 (and second 66,respectively) lower catch side. The first 54 (and second 56) lower catchcan have a first 54 (and second 56, respectively) lower catch bottomangle 68 between the first 64 (and second 66, respectively) lower catchside and the first 70 (and second 72, respectively) lower catch bottom.The lower catch angles can be about 90°. The lower catch top angles 58can be equal or unequal to the lower catch bottom angles 68. The lowercatch top 58 and/or bottom 68 angles can be less than about 90°, forexample from about 0° to about 90°, more narrowly from about 30° toabout 80°, more narrowly from about 45° to about 75°, for example about75°.

FIG. 3 d illustrates that the first 34 and/or second 36 catch bottomscan have one or more recessed interlockable elements, such as,respectively, first and/or second catch notches, recesses, slots, orgrooves 74, 76. The catch grooves 74, 76 can have substantially squareor rectangular cross-sections. The catch grooves 74, 76 can be extendalong all or part of the length of the catch bottoms 34, 36. Althoughshown with a catch angle of 90°, the catch angle can be any catch angledisclosed herein.

FIG. 3 e illustrates that the catch grooves 74, 76 can havesubstantially round (e.g., hemispherical, hemi-oval, otherwise partiallyspherical or oval) cross-sections. FIG. 3 fillustrates that the firstand second catch grooves 74, 76 can be immediately adjacent to the firstand second lips 17, 18, respectively.

FIG. 3 g illustrates that the first 34 and/or second 36 catch bottomscan have one or more extending interlockable elements, such as,respectively, first and/or second catch bumps, buttons or ridges 78, 80.The catch ridges 78, 80 can have substantially inverted configurationsof the configurations disclosed for the catch grooves 74, 76.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the slider 12 can have a substantially straightlongitudinal center axis 96. The slider 12 can have a slider first side82 and/or a slider second side 84 and a slider top 86. The slider firstside 82 and/or a slider second side 84 can extend substantially at aright angle or other non-zero angle from a slider top 86. The sliderfirst side 82 can have a slider first arm 88. The first and secondslider arms 88, 90 can extend substantially at a right angle or othernon-zero angle from the first and second slider sides 82, 84,respectively. The ends of the slider arms 88, 90 can taper.

The slider 12 can have a first slider end 92 and/or a second slider end94. The slider ends 92, 94 can flare or otherwise expand radially awayfrom the longitudinal center axis 96. The slider ends 92, 94 can includethe ends of the slider sides 82, 84, and/or the ends of the slider arms88, 90, and/or the ends of the slider top 86.

A hollow elongated slider channel 98 can be defined by the slider top 86and/or the slider sides 82, 84 and/or the slider arms 88, 90. The slider12 can be flexible or rigid. The slider 12 can have one or more flexiblefirst segments (e.g., the slider ends) and one or more rigid secondsegments (e.g., the remainder of the slider 12 other than the ends).

FIG. 5 illustrates that the slider 12 can have information thereonprinted, embossed, otherwise marked, or combinations thereof. Theinformation can be instructions or marketing information (e.g.,branding) on the slider top 86 and/or slider sides 82, 84 and/or sliderarms 88, 90.

The slider 12 can have a slider first hole 100, for example at theslider first end 92. The slider 12 can have a slider second hole 102,for example at the slider second end 94. The slider holes 100, 102 canbe on the slider top 86.

FIG. 6 a illustrates that the slider channel 98 can have a sliderchannel width 104 and a slider channel height 106. The slider channelwidth 104 can be from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the combinedcatch width 46 to about 130 mm (5 in.) larger than the combined catchwidth 46, more narrowly from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than thecombined catch width 46 to 8 about 5 mm (0.2 in.) larger than thecombined catch width 46, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger thanthe combined catch width 46. The slider channel height 106 can be fromabout 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the catch height 44 to about 130 mm (5in.) larger than the catch height 44, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.)larger than the catch height 44.

The slider 12 can have a slider gap 108. The slider gap 108 can bedefined between the slider first arm 88 and the slider second arm 90.The slider gap 108 can have a slider gap width 110. The slider gap width110 can be the distance from the slider first arm 88 to the slidersecond arm 90. The slider gap width 110 can be from about 10 mm (0.4in.) smaller than the combined lip width 48 to about 10 mm (0.4 in.)larger than the combined lip width 48, more narrowly from about than thecombined lip width 48 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combinedlip width 48, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) smaller thanthe combined lip width 48 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than thecombined lip width 48, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than thecombined lip width 48.

The slider first and second arms 88, 90 can have slider first and secondarm tops 112, 114, respectively. The slider 12 can have one or moreslider arm angles 116. The slider arm angles 116 can be the angle fromthe first slider arm top 112 to the slider first side 82 and/or from thesecond slider arm top 114 to the slider second side 84. The slider armangles 116 can be the same or different on each side of the slider 12(i.e., on the slider first side 82 and the slider second side 84). Theslider arm angles 116 can be in the same ranges and the exampleprovided, supra, for the catch angle. The slider arm angles 116 can beequal to the corresponding catch angles.

FIG. 6 b illustrates that the slider 12 can have upper arms (e.g., aslider first upper arm 118 and a slider second upper arm 120) and lowerarms (e.g., a slider first lower arm 122 and a slider second lower arm124). The slider 12 can have a slider upper channel 126. The sliderupper channel 126 can be defined by the slider top 86, the slider firstside 82, the slider second side 84, and the slider upper arms 118, 120.The slider 12 can have a slider lower channel 128. The slider lowerchannel 128 can be defined by the slider first side 82, the slidersecond side 84, the slider upper arms 118, 120, and the slider lowerarms 122, 124.

The slider upper channel 126 can have a slider upper channel height 130and a slider upper channel width 132. The slider lower channel 128 canhave a slider lower channel height 134 and a slider lower channel width136.

The slider upper channel width 132 and the slider lower channel width136 can be from about can be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than thecombined catch width 46 to about 10 mm (0.4 in.) larger than thecombined catch width 46, more narrowly from about than the combinedcatch width 46 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined catchwidth 46, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) smaller than thecombined catch width 46 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than thecombined catch width 46, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller thanthe combined catch width 46. The slider upper channel width 132 can bethe same as or different than the slider lower channel width 136.

The slider upper channel height 130 and the slider lower channel height134 can be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the upper or lowercatch height to about 10 mm (0.4 in) larger than the upper or lowercatch height, more narrowly from about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than theupper or lower catch height to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) larger than theupper or lower catch height, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) largerthan the upper or lower catch height. The slider upper channel heightcan be the same as or different than the slider lower channel height134.

The slider 12 can have a slider upper gap 138. The slider upper gap 138can be defined between the slider first upper arm 118 and the slidersecond upper arm 120. The slider upper gap 138 can have a slider uppergap width 140. The slider 12 can have a slider lower gap. The sliderlower gap 142 can be defined between the slider first lower arm 122 andthe slider second lower arm 124. The slider lower gap 142 can have aslider lower gap width 144.

The slider upper gap width 140 and the slider lower gap width 144 can bethe distance from the slider first upper arm 118 to the slider secondupper arm 120. The slider upper gap width 140 can be from be from about10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the combined lip width 48 to about 10 mm(0.4 in.) larger than the combined lip width 48, more narrowly fromabout than the combined lip width 48 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smallerthan the combined lip width 48, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04in.) smaller than the combined lip width 48 to about 5 mm (0.2 in.)smaller than the combined lip width 48, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.)smaller than the combined lip width 48. The slider upper gap width 140can be the same as or different than the slider lower gap width 144.

FIG. 6 c illustrates that the slider upper and/or lower arms 118, 120can have dovetail or other flared configurations. The slider first andsecond upper arms 118, 120 can have slider first and second upper armtops 146, 148, respectively. Slider first and second upper arm topangles 150, 152 can be defined between the slider first and second upperarm tops 146, 148, and the slider first and second sides 82, 84,respectively (as shown).

The slider first and second arm top angles 150, 152 can be selected fromthe range or example provided herein for the upper catch angle 44. Theslider first and second arm top angles 150, 152 can be greater than,less than, or equal to the upper catch angle 44.

The slider upper arms 118, 120 can have slider upper arm bottoms 158,160. Slider first and second upper arm bottom angles 154, 156 can bedefined between the slider first and second upper arm bottoms 158, 160,and the slider first and second sides 82, 84, respectively (as shown).

The slider first and second arm bottom angles 154, 156 can be selectedfrom the range or example provided herein for the lower catch top angle58. The slider first and second arm bottom angles 154, 156 can begreater than, less than, or equal to the lower catch top angle 58.

Slider first and second lower arm top angles 162, 164 can be definedbetween the slider first and second lower arm tops 166, 168, and theslider first and second sides 82, 84, respectively (as shown). Theslider first and second lower arm angles 170, 172 can be can be selectedfrom the range or example provided herein for the lower catch bottomangle 68. The slider first and second lower arm angles 170, 172 can begreater than, less than, or equal to the lower catch bottom angle 68.

FIG. 6 d illustrates that the slider first and/or second arms 88, 90 canhave one or more extended interlockable elements, such as, respectively,first and/or second arm bumps, buttons or ridges 174, 176. The armridges 174, 176 can have substantially square or rectangularcross-sections. The arm ridges 174, 176 can be extend along all or partof the length of the catch bottoms. Although shown with a catch angle of90°, the catch angle can be any catch angle disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 e illustrates that the arm ridges 174, 176 can have substantiallyround (e.g., hemispherical, hemi-oval, otherwise partially spherical oroval) cross-sections. FIG. 6 f illustrates that the first and second armridges 174, 176 can be immediately adjacent to the slider gap 108.

FIG. 6 g illustrates that the first 88 and/or second 90 slider arms canhave one or more recessed interlockable elements, such as, respectively,first and/or second arm notches, recesses, slots, or grooves 178, 180.The arm grooves 178, 180 can have substantially inverted configurationsof the configurations disclosed for the arm ridges 174, 176.

The catch grooves 74, 76 can be configured to interference fit with thearm ridges. The catch ridges 78, 80 can be configured to interferencefit with the arm grooves 178, 180.

The bag 4 can be configured similar to and/or have any elements and/orconfigurations of the bag disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,506, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety. If the top of the bag4 is rolled in a closed configuration, as shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,267,506, the bag can be configured, when in the rolled configuration,to form substantially similar configurations to the first 20 and/orsecond catches 22. The first and/or second catches 20, 22 can be formedby the splint(s) and/or fold(s) and/or flap(s) and/or other componentsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,506.

The bag, slider, and any and all other elements described herein can bemade from polyethylene, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) or lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE) (e.g., linear LDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinylchloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyoxymethylene (POM),also known as acetal resin, polytrioxane and polyformaldehyde (e.g.,DELRIN® by E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY™, Wilmington, Del.),Nylon, or combinations thereof. For example, the slider can be made fromPOM and the bag can be made from TPU.

Method of Making

The bag 4 an be molded and/or any and/or all of the elements of the bag4 can be welded (e.g., RF welded) together. The slider 12 can be moldedand/or any and/or all of the elements of the slider 12 can be welded(e.g., RF welded) together.

Methods of Use

FIG. 7 illustrates that before sealably closing the orifice 10, theslider 12 can be unattached to the bag 4. The slider 12 can be alignedto the top of the bag 4. The slider channel 98 can be substantiallylongitudinally aligned with the first and second catches 20, 22.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the slider 12 can be translated relative to thebag 4, as shown by arrow. The slider 12 can be slidably attached to thebag 4. The slider 12 can be translated in the direction of thelongitudinal center axis. The guides 14, 15, lips 17, 18, and catches20, 22 can direct the slider arms 88, 90 longitudinally along the top ofthe bag 4. The tapered configuration of the slider arms 88, 90 candirect the slider arms 88, 90 longitudinally along the top of the bag 4.The slider arms 88, 90 can force the first lip 17 toward the secondlip18 . The slider sides 82, 84 can force the first catch 20 toward thesecond catch 22.

The slider 12 can be unattached from the bag 4 by translating the slider12 in the direction relative to the bag 4 opposite that shown by thearrow in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates that the reservoir system 2 can be in a sealedconfiguration. The slider 12 can be slidably attached and friction fitto the top of the bag 4. The slider 12 can provide pressure squeezingthe orifice 10 closed.

FIG. 10 a illustrates that when the slider 12 is attached to the top ofthe bag 4, the slider 12 can sealably close the orifice 10. The slider12 can apply pressure on the bag 4 at any combination of the followingareas: where the slider top 86 contacts the lips 17, 18 and/or the catch20, 22; where the catches 20, 22 contact the slider sides 82, 84; wherethe slider arms 88, 90 contact the catches 20, 22, where the slider arms88, 90 contact the lips 17, 18, and where the arms 88, 90 contact theguides 14, 15.

The reservoir system 2 can have side-catch gaps 182 between the slidersides 82, 84 can the corresponding catches 20, 22. The reservoir system2 can have a top-catch gap between the slider top 86 and the catches 20,22 and/or lips 17, 18. The reservoir system 2 can have arm-catch gaps186 between the slider arms 88, 90 and the corresponding catches 20, 22.The reservoir system 2 can have arm-lip gaps 188 between the slider arms88, 90 and the corresponding lips 17, 18. With the slider 12 deployed tosealably close the bag 4, the side-catch gaps 182, top-catch gap 184,arm-catch gaps 186, and arm-lip gaps 188 can be from about 0 mm (0 in.)to about 10 mm (0.4 in.), for example about 0 mm (0 in.).

The slider arms 88, 90 can produce an arm compression force 190, shownby arrows, against the first and second lips 17, 18. The slider sides82, 84 can produce a side compression force 192, shown by arrows,against the first and second catches 20, 22. The arm 190 and/or side 192compression forces can minimize and/or prevent fluid leakage from thereservoir 6 out of the orifice 10.

When pressure in the bag 4 increases (e.g., when the bag 4 containsfluid and the bag 4 is squeezed), the first and/or second catches 20, 22can impair the movement of the slider first and/or second arms 88, 90,respectively, in. an upward direction (with respect to the page of FIG.10 a), for example retaining the slider 12 on the bag 4.

FIG. 10 b illustrates that the slider 12 of FIG. 6 b is configured tosealably close the bag 4 of FIG. 3 b. The upper catches 50, 52 can beconfigured to engage and slidably attach to the slider upper channel126. The lower catches 54, 56 can be configured to engage and slidablyattach to the slider lower channel 128. FIG. 10 c illustrates that theslider 12 of FIG. 6 c is configured to sealably close the bag 4 of FIG.3 c.

The slider gaps 108, slider upper gaps 138 and slider lower gaps 142 canbe configured to engage and slidably attach to the lips 17, 18.

The bags 4 illustrated in FIGS. 3 d through 3 g can be used with sliders12 illustrated in FIGS. 6 d through 6 g, respectively. During use, thecatch grooves 74, 76 can interference fit with the arm ridges 174, 176.During use, the catch ridges 78, 80 can interference fit with the armgrooves 178, 180.

FIG. 11 illustrates that the slider top 86 can be resiliently ordeformably bendable. The slider top 86 can be rotatably bent, as shownby arrow. The slider second arm 90 can be fixedly attached and/orengaged to the second catch bottom 36. The slider second side 84 can bepositioned directly adjacent to the second catch 22. The slider firstside 82 and slider first arm 88 can be unattached to and/or disengagedfrom the first catch 20.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the slider 12 can have one or more rotatableelements, for example hinges or joints. The joint 194 can be at theintersection of the slider top 86 and the slider first 82 and/or second84 side. The joint 194 can enable the slider top 86 to rotate withrespect to the slider first 82 and/or second 84 side. The joint 194 canbe fixable (e.g., lockable), for example when the slider top 86 is at aright angle with respect to the slider first 82 and/or second 84 side.The joint 194 can be passive and/or biased to force the slider top 86 toa right angle with respect to the slider first 82 and/or second 84 side.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the slider 12 of FIGS. 11 and 12 can bereleased and/or forcibly rotated, as shown by arrow. The slider firstarm 88 can snap onto the first catch 20, fixedly attaching to the firstcatch bottom 34 and/or producing the arm compression force 190. Theslider first side 82 can be directly adjacent to the first catch and/orproducing the side compression force 192.

FIG. 14 illustrates that the orifice 10 can be opened when the slider 12is not engaged to seal the orifice 10. Compressive forces, as shown byarrows, can be applied to the ends of the lips 17, 18. Tensile forces,not shown (but perpendicular to the shown compressive forces), can beapplied to the sides of the lips 17, 18. The first lip 17 can separatefrom the second lip 18. The lips 17, 18 can open in a puckeredconfiguration. During use, solids and/or fluids (e.g., potable water,other beverages) can be transferred into and/or out of the bag 4 fromthe open orifice 10. The flexible bag 4 can be turned inside out throughthe orifice 10, for example, to aid access and cleaning the inside ofthe bag 4. The lips 17, 18 can be configured to be resiliently biased toclose.

The slider 12 can be attached to the bag 4. For example, a leash canattach the slider 12 to the bag 4. The leash can be attached to thefirst and/or second hole. Also for example, the slider 12 and/or bag 4can have a catch configured so the slider 12 can not be completelyslidably removed from the bag 4.

It is apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications can be made to this disclosure, and equivalents employed,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Elementsof systems, devices and methods shown with any embodiment are exemplaryfor the specific embodiment and can be used in combination or otherwiseon other embodiments within this disclosure.

1. A reservoir closure system comprising: a container wherein thecontainer comprises a first end, the first end having a first lip, afirst catch, a second lip, a second catch, a reservoir and an orifice atthe first end having a closed configuration and an opened configuration,and wherein the container is sufficiently flexible to be turned insideout and wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with theorifice, and wherein the orifice has an orifice closed length about thewidth of the first end of the container when the orifice is in theclosed configuration; a sealing member configured to slidably attach tothe container, and wherein the sealing member has a seal length, andwherein the seal length is at least substantially equal to the orificeclosed length, and wherein the sealing member is configured to seal thecontainer, and wherein the sealing member has a substantially straightconfiguration; wherein the sealing member comprises a channel defined bya sealing member first side, a sealing member second side, and a firstupper arm and a first tower arm extending from the sealing member firstside and positioned opposite a second upper arm and a second lower armextending from the sealing member second side; and wherein the sealingmember first side is rigidly integral with the sealing member secondside; and wherein the sealing member has a sealing member longitudinalaxis, a seating member first end and a sealing member second end, andwherein the shape of the sealing member first end radially expands awayfrom the sealing member longitudinal axis as the length along thesealing member first end approaches the terminus of the sealing member;and wherein the sealing member first side is at a fixed width away fromthe sealing member second side when the system is in a firstconfiguration when the sealing member is separate from the container andwhen the system is in a second configuration when the sealing member isattached to the container and induces sealing of the container; andwherein the channel is configured to receive the first and secondcatches of the container as the sealing member is slidably attached tothe container such that the first and second upper arms compress thefirst and second lips above the received first and second catches, thefirst and second lower arms compress the first and second lips below thereceived first and second catches to seal the container, and the firstand second catches prevent substantial movement of the sealing member ina vertical direction relative to the container.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first catch has a first catch bottom, and wherein thefirst catch bottom has a first catch angle, and wherein the first catchangle is less than about 90 degrees.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe sealing member has a first lower arm angle defined between thesealing member first side and the first lower arm.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the first catch angle is substantially equal to thefirst lower arm angle.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the sealingmember is configured to be interference fit to the container.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a polyurethane. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.
 8. Amethod of closing the reservoir system of claim 1, comprising pressingthe first lip and the second lip together above and below the first andsecond catches along the entire closed orifice length with the sealingmember; and securing the sealing member to the container; whereinsecuring comprises attaching the sealing member to the first and secondcatches.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein pressing comprises slidingthe sealing member onto the container.
 10. A reservoir closure systemcomprising: a container wherein the container comprises a first end, thefirst end having a first lip, a second lip positioned opposite the firstlip, a first catch, a second catch, a reservoir and an orifice, whereinthe reservoir is in fluid communication with the orifice, and whereinthe container is sufficiently flexible to be turned inside out; asealing member configured to slidably attach to the container whereinthe sealing member comprises a channel defined by a sealing member firstside, a sealing member second side, and a first upper arm and a firstlower arm extending from the sealing member first side and positionedopposite a second upper arm and a second lower arm extending from thesealing member second side; wherein the sealing member first side isrigidly integral with the sealing member second side; and wherein thesealing member has a sealing member longitudinal axis, a sealing memberfirst end and a sealing member second end and wherein the shape of thesealing member first end radially expands away from the sealing memberlongitudinal axis as the length along the sealing member first endapproaches the terminus of the sealing member; and wherein the sealingmember first side is at a fixed width away from the sealing membersecond side when the system is in a first configuration when the sealingmember is separate from the container and when the system is in a secondconfiguration when the sealing member is attached to the container andinduces sealing of the container; and wherein the channel is configuredto receive the first and second catches of the container as the sealingmember is slidably attached to the container such that the first andsecond upper arms compress the first and second lips above the receivedfirst and second catches, the first and second lower arms coin press thefirst and second lips below the received first and second catches toseal the container, and the first and second catches prevent substantialmovement of the sealing member in a vertical direction relative to thecontainer, wherein the container comprises a polyurethane.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10, further comprising a leash attached to the sealingmember and attached to an element of the system other than the sealingmember.
 13. A reservoir closure system comprising; a bag comprising afirst bag wall, a second bag wall and an orifice between the first andsecond bag walls; a first catch on the first bag wall, wherein the firstcatch faces away from the orifice and is positioned on a first lip; asecond catch, wherein the second catch faces away from the orfice,wherein when the bag is in a closed configuration, the first catch facesin an opposite direction to the second catch; a sealing memberconfigured to slidably attach to the bag, wherein the sealing membercomprises a channel defined by a sealing member first side, a sealingmember second side, and a first upper arm and a first lower armextending from the sealing member first side and positioned opposite asecond upper arm and a second lower arm extending from the sealingmember second side; and wherein the sealing member first side is rigidlyintegral with the sealing member second side; and wherein the channel isconfigured to receive the first and second catches of the bag as thesealing member is slidably attached to the bag such that the first andsecond upper arms compress the first and second lips above the receivedfirst and second catches, the first and second lower arms compress thefirst and second lips below the received first and second catches toseal the bag, and the first and second catches prevent substantialmovement of the sealing member in a vertical direction relative to thebag; and wherein the sealing member has a sealing member longitudinalaxis, a sealing member first end and a sealing member second end, andwherein the shape of the sealing member first end radial expands awayfrom the sealing member longitudinal axis as the length along thesealing member first end approaches the terminus of the sealing member;and wherein a first length along the sealing member first side is at achannel width away from a first length along the sealing member secondside when the system is in a first configuration when the sealing memberis separate from the container and when the system is in a secondconfiguration when the sealing member is attached to the container andinduces sealing of the container.
 14. The system of claim 13, comprisingno catches on an inside surface of the first or second bag walls.